What are Terpenes? The Science Behind Cannabis and Terpenes
That your herb contains cannabinoids is no news; but that it contains some other substances including terpenes, not just two or three but hundreds might be new knowledge; so what are terpenes?
Scientifically, positive, uplifting emotions and good memories have been associated with pleasant scents; this is one of the reasons why certain smells can trigger happy memories or good feelings.
When it comes to weed, just the smell of certain strains of marijuana can make you smile and relax. But what about the plant gives it such a pleasant smell?
The answer lies in something called terpenes (pronounced TER-peens). You’ve probably heard about terpenes if you’re an experienced weed smoker. But what are terpenes, exactly? And what effects do terpenes have in weed?
In this article, we’ll provide a comprehensive overview of what are terpenes and their role in cannabis.
We’ll discuss the effects of terpenes on user experience and high. So if you’re interested in learning more about these fascinating molecules, read on! But first, what are terpenes in weed?
What are Terpenes?
What are terpenes? Terpenes are organic compounds produced by many plants, including cannabis. They are the molecules responsible for giving plants their unique smell and flavour.
Terpenes are found in the resin of the cannabis plant, which is secreted by the glandular trichomes (the tiny crystals covering the plant’s surface).
There are over 100 different terpenes found in weed, each with its unique smell and flavour.
How are Marijuana Terpenes Different from Cannabinoids?
Now that you have the answer to “what are terpenes” you may be wondering if they are the same as cannabinoids. It’s important to note that weed terpenes are different from cannabinoids like THC and CBD. Cannabinoids are the active compounds in cannabis that produce the plant’s effects on the body. On the other hand, terpenes are responsible for the plant’s smell and flavour.
While cannabinoids interact directly with the body’s endocannabinoid system, all terpenes indirectly interact with the body. They bind to receptors in the brain responsible for regulating mood, appetite, pain perception, and inflammation.
In addition, cannabinoids and terpenes in weed work together to produce what is known as the entourage effect; this is when the combination of compounds in cannabis is more effective than any one compound alone.
For example, studies have shown that the combination of THC and CBD (both cannabinoids) is more effective at reducing pain than THC or CBD alone; this is likely because THC and CBD interact with different receptors in the brain, as well as the fact that they have different effects on the body.
The entourage effect is one of the main reasons that whole-plant cannabis is more effective than isolated cannabinoids like THC or CBD. When all of the compounds in cannabis work together, they produce a greater effect than any one compound could produce on its own.
Now that we know what are terpenes and how they differ from cannabinoids let’s discuss what they do in weed.
What Do Terpenes Do in Weed?
What are terpenes and what do they do in weed? As we mentioned earlier, each type of terpene has its unique smell and flavour. But what else do these molecules do?
Well, it turns out that terpenes, in addition to giving weed its smell and flavour play a big role in the effects of cannabis on the body and mind; this is because terpenes interact with the body in a variety of ways.
For example, some marijuana terpenes increase alertness and energy, while others can cause drowsiness and relaxation. Terpenes also affect how cannabinoids like THC bind to receptors in the brain; this means that they can either increase or decrease the effects of THC (and other cannabinoids) on the body.
In addition, terpenes can also affect how long the effects of cannabis last; this is because they influence how quickly the body metabolizes the cannabinoids.
So, what does all of this mean for the user?
How Do Terpenes Affect the User Experience?
What are terpenes’ effects on your weed experience? Essentially, it means that different strains of cannabis can produce different effects on the body, depending on their unique combination of terpenes. If you are asking yourself “what are terpenes,” you may be wondering about their role in the cannabis “high” experience.
Different strains of cannabis contain different ratios of terpenes, which leads to different effects.
For example, a strain of weed with high levels of terpene limonene is likely to produce uplifting and energizing effects. In contrast, a strain high in the terpene myrcene is more likely to produce relaxing and sedative effects.
The ratio of terpenes also affects the intensity of the high. A strain with a higher ratio of terpenes is likely to produce a more intense high, while a strain with a lower ratio of terpenes is likely to produce a milder high.
In addition to the type and concentration of terpenes, the user’s physiology also plays a role in the effects of cannabis. For example, someone with a higher tolerance to THC is likely to experience less intense effects from a given strain of weed than someone with a lower tolerance.
What are Terpenes in Weed? Common Terpenes Found in Weed?
As we mentioned earlier, there are over 100 different Terpenes found in cannabis. However, not all of these terpenes are present in every weed strain.
Some of the most common terpenes in weed include:
Myrcene: This terpene is responsible for the musky, earthy smell of some strains of cannabis. It is also known for its sedative effects and couch-lock effects. if you Google “what are terpenes” you will come across this compound as it is one of the most common terpenes.
Limonene: This terpene is responsible for the citrusy smell of some strains of cannabis. It is also known for its uplifting and energizing effects.
Pinene: This terpene is responsible for the piney smell of some strains of cannabis. It is also known for its alerting and energizing effects.
Linalool: This terpene is responsible for the floral smell of some strains of cannabis. It is also known for its relaxing and sedative effects.
Caryophyllene: This terpene is responsible for the spicy smell of some strains of cannabis. It is also known for its anti-inflammatory effects.
As you can see, each terpene has its unique smell, flavour, and effects on the human body. When choosing a weed strain, pay attention to the terpene profile to find one that matches your desired effects.
Do Terpenes in Weed have Medical Benefits?
What are terpenes’ medical benefits? In addition to terpene effects on the user experience, terpenes in weed also have a variety of medical benefits.
For example, some terpenes are known to be anti-inflammatory, while others are known to be antimicrobial. Some terpenes have antioxidant and analgesic (pain-relieving) properties; others have antidepressant effects. Terpenes like linalool and limonene are also known to be anxiolytic (anti-anxiety), while weed terpenes like pinene are known to be neuroprotective.
Caryophyllene is known to be an effective treatment for pain and anxiety, making it a popular choice for medical cannabis patients.
In addition to their individual effects, terpenes interact with each other to produce synergistic effects; this means that the combined effects of multiple terpenes can be greater than the sum of their individual effects. This synergistic effect is obtainable from hybrid weed strains with different parent terpene profiles.
For example, the combination of linalool and limonene is more effective at reducing anxiety than alone.
When choosing a weed strain, pay attention to the terpene profile to find one that matches your desired effects. And remember, the ratio of terpenes also affects the intensity of the high, so a strain with a higher ratio of terpenes is likely to produce a more intense high.
Where to Buy Weed with Good Terpene Profile Online in Canada
Now that we have answered the “what are terpenes” question, it’s time to tell you where you can buy weed online to enjoy them.
In Canada, various weed strains are available, each with its unique terpene profile. At West Coast Cannabis, the leading online dispensary cum BC weed store, we have a wide selection of strains to choose from, so you can find the perfect one for your needs.
If you are looking for cheap weed in Canada, BC Cannabis leading online weed dispensary is the perfect place. We offer a wide variety of strains at the lowest prices online. And with our price match guarantee, you can be sure you are getting the best deal possible.
Top on our list of budget buds with distinctive terpenes profiles is the ever-popular BC Cannabis Strain, Blue Dream. This hybrid strain is loved by many for its sweet berry aroma and its uplifting and energizing effects.
If you are looking for a more potent strain, check out our top pick for high THC strains, Green Crack. This Sativa-dominant strain will give you a powerful high with its intense cerebral effects.
So, why the wait? Buy weed online in Canada today and get the perfect strain for your needs.
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